BIO310: Developmental Biology

Unit 6: Later Embryonic DevelopmentOnce germ layers have been formed and patterning has begun, the embryo
can begin to develop those complex tissues and organs it will need for
adult life. This unit will detail the formation of tissues and organs
arising from each of the three germ layers. You will learn that each
germ layer gives rise to very specific structures.

Unit6 Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

Identify which later tissues and structures arise from which germ
layers and early-embryonic structures.

Demonstrate an understanding of the processes of later development,
especially limb development, and the roles of specific genes,
molecules, and tissue areas in these processes.

6.1 The Central Nervous System (CNS) and Epidermis6.1.1 The Neural Tube
- Reading: The National Institutes of Health: Professor Scott
Gilbert’s Developmental Biology: “Formation of the Neural Tube” and
“Differentiation of the Neural Tube”
Link: The National Institutes of Health: Professor Scott Gilbert’s
Developmental Biology: “Formation of the Neural
Tube”
(HTML) and “Differentiation of the Neural
Tube”
(HTML)

Instructions: In “Formation of the Neural Tube,” read only the
introductory paragraph and all figures (Figs. 12.3-12.9). Read all
of “Differentiation of the Neural Tube,” along with all figures
(Figs.12.10-12.14).

Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use
displayed on the webpage above.

Instructions: Read all of the “Snapshot Summary” and read all
figures (but no other text) associated with “Lateral-Plate Mesoderm”
(15.1-15.25) and “Endoderm” (15.26-15.33). This will cover the
material in 6.2.3 and 6.3.
Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use
displayed on the webpage above.

Instructions: Read the subsections “Specification of the Limb
Fields” and “Induction of the Early Limb Bud” along with all
associated figures (Figs. 16.2-16.4). Make sure to read the
associated footnotes at the end of the section.

Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use
displayed on the webpage above.

6.4.2 The Proximal-Distal Axis
- Reading: The National Institutes of Health: Professor Scott
Gilbert’s Developmental Biology: “Generating the Proximal-Distal
Axis of the Limb”
Link: The National Institutes of Health: Professor Scott Gilbert’s
Developmental Biology: “Generating the Proximal-Distal Axis of
the
Limb”
(HTML)

Instructions: Read all of this section, including Figs. 16.8-16.15,
except for the grey text box on Hox genes and limb evolution.

Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use
displayed on the webpage above.

Instructions: Read this section in its entirety along with all
associated figures (Fig. 16.20).

Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use
displayed on the webpage above.

6.4.5 Cell Death
- Reading: The National Institutes of Health: Professor Scott
Gilbert’s Developmental Biology: “Cell Death and the Formation of
Digits and Joints”
Link: The National Institutes of Health: Professor Scott Gilbert’s
Developmental Biology: “Cell Death and the Formation of Digits
and
Joints”
(HTML)

Instructions: Read this section in its entirety along with all
associated figures (Fig. 16.22-16.24).

Terms of Use: Please respect the copyright and terms of use
displayed on the webpage above.